Looking to buy a new toilet? We break down what’s available now, the cost, and how to buy the right one…
Whether you are currently planning a complete renovation or simply need to upgrade your sanitaryware, the toilet is one of the key elements of a bathroom design. From wall-hung solutions to smart WCs, there are so many more options available these days, for any room size and style, which can feel a bit overwhelming.
But fear not, to help you make an informed decision, we’re covering trending toilets and starting prices, and sharing bite-size buying tips…
Trending toilets
So, what’s trending in toilet design? Sleek minimalist solutions are on the rise, making wall-hung toilets with their concealed cisterns particularly popular, as they deliver a clean, streamlined aesthetic.
“Ideal Standard’s ProSys behind-the-wall system supports this demand with adjustable WC frames and features like the SmartValve, which can save up to 63 litres of water per week, combining sophisticated aesthetics with exceptional efficiency,” says Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Ideal Standard.
“Behind-the-wall systems and wall-hung units are gaining attention for their hygiene benefits, too. By eliminating hidden corners and cracks where bacteria can accumulate, they make keeping your bathroom clean, easier.”
Meanwhile, Elina Enqvist-Twomey, leader and product manager at Grohe UK, says that moving from the fully exposed closed-coupled toilets – where the flushing cistern is mounted directly on the toilet bowl – to floating wall-hung models with the cistern neatly hidden behind the wall, has transformed both the form and role of the toilet, which is no longer just a functional feature in the bathroom, but carries an aesthetic appeal, too.
Shower toilets
Elina also believes shower toilets are on the path to becoming a staple in the modern bathroom. “We increasingly recognise the sustainability and hygiene benefits these smart toilet systems can offer, along with the rise of an aging population and multigenerational households,” she says.
Take Grohe’s Sensia Pro, for instance – a shower toilet equipped with two separate self-cleaning spray heads. “You can adjust those for position, intensity and temperature, with oscillating and massage spray options taking users to the next level of hygiene,” adds Elina.
Villeroy & Boch’s own innovative toilet flush system TwistFlush[e³] has vortex flush technology, meant to save water. At just three litres for a small flush and 4.5 litres for a large flush, it is significantly more water-efficient than conventional toilet flushes. Its rimless design also doubles cleaning efficiency compared to traditional models, making it ideal for public facilities and large sanitation projects.
Could our toilets become even smarter?
Ruth Davies, marketing director at VitrA, believes they can. She expects future toilets to embrace quieter flush and smart technologies that minimise noise and enhance user experience, aiming for calmer, more adaptable and sustainable bathrooms. The brand’s V-Care range already includes a heated seat, automatic lid opening and closing for a hands-free experience, adjustable water and dryer temperatures and air purification.
“Customers can also opt to add the VitrA Smart Panel, which connects to the WC to track usage and deliver the optimum flushing level – either full, half or periodic – while giving the user the option of keeping up to date with water consumption via an app. This could be developed further in the future, to monitor energy usage,” says Ruth.
Yiota agrees and says, “With adjustable sensor distance and flushing sensitivity, these advanced features enhance comfort and hygiene standards, combining convenience, cleanliness and innovation in the bathroom.”
The cost
Prices for a standard close-coupled toilet can start from £100 without installation, with high-efficiency, water-saving toilets costing up to £500. Prices for WCs with a wall-hung cistern range from £300 to around £1500.
Specialist, smart toilets usually cost upwards of £500, and up to £6500, with prices varying significantly depending on the level of sophistication. Installation costs can reach £400+, not including plumber rates.
Toilet buying tips
- Assess your space to decide which type of toilet is right for you. If there’s limited room, consider a close-coupled model with a slender cistern that sits close to the wall. Alternatively, a wall-hung WC is excellent for small bathrooms, as it creates the illusion of more space.
- Think about the installation. The loo should never be more than six metres from the soil pipe and, ideally, should be as short a distance from it as possible, so factor that in when planning the room’s layout. It is possible to change the location of the soil pipe, but this will cost extra.
- Consider the specific design and features you’re after. Comfort-height toilets are now particularly popular, as Julie Gokce, senior designer at More Bathrooms, says: “These are ideal for taller individuals, elderly users or those recovering from leg, knee or hip surgeries.” For greater convenience and hygiene, shower toilets and other high-tech models offer personalisation, self-cleaning properties and app connectivity.
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